UNIABUJA Expels 28 Students, Revokes Certificates of 15 Alumni Amid Strict Disciplinary Crackdown

The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) has expelled 28 students and revoked the academic certificates of 15 former students for serious disciplinary violations, the institution confirmed on Thursday.

The sanctions, approved at the university’s 191st Regular Senate Meeting, follow investigations by the Student Disciplinary Committee (SDC). Offenses ranged from assault, examination malpractice, conspiracy, burglary, theft, cult-related activities, drug possession, falsification of admission results, to repeated failure to appear before the disciplinary panel. Certificates of former students were withdrawn after they ignored multiple invitations from the committee.

In a related outcome, nine students were exonerated, while 33 others received formal warnings for infractions such as hostel racketeering, conspiracy, and physical fights.

Speaking on the matter, Vice-Chancellor and Senate Chairman, Hakeem Fawehinmi, reaffirmed the university’s zero-tolerance policy on misconduct. He said:

“The academic integrity of UNIABUJA is sacrosanct. Anyone who violates it will face appropriate sanctions. Our aim is not only to enforce discipline but also to guide students towards responsible citizenship and academic excellence.”

Fawehinmi also highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen student engagement, counselling, and orientation programs to reduce disciplinary breaches.

In a separate development, indigenous airline XEJet Limited has partnered with UNIABUJA through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the XEJet Centre for Aerospace & Space Engineering. The initiative aims to advance aviation-focused engineering education, provide hands-on technical training, and improve graduates’ employability in the aviation and aerospace sectors.

XEJet GCEO Emmanuel Iza noted that the project will be rolled out in phases, starting with upgrades to existing aerospace laboratories. The top three graduates of the programme will receive automatic employment for 10 years, provided they meet employability requirements.

Professor Abdulfatai Jimoh, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, described the collaboration as a “timely intervention” that bridges classroom learning and industrial exposure, enhancing aeronautical and astronautical engineering standards in Nigeria.

This dual approach underscores UNIABUJA’s commitment to discipline, academic excellence, and industry-ready education, positioning the university as a model for higher education governance in the country.